Elastic composites for garments

ABSTRACT

An elastic composite is formed by securing an elastic member to a substrate along a securement path extending longitudinally of the substrate. The position of the elastic member on the substrate varies laterally along the longitudinally extending securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within the securement path. The periodic wave pattern is such that the elastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path than transverse to the securement path. In another embodiment, the securement path varies laterally as it extends longitudinally along the securement path. The position of the elastic member varies transversely within the securement path to at least partially define a width of the securement path.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application is a divisional patent application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/029,375 filed on Dec. 20, 2001,which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to garments having elasticcomponents therein, and more particularly to elastic composites formedwithin such garments, or formed separately from such garments andsecured therein, to provide an elastic component to such garments.

[0003] Garments such as conventional clothing items as well asdisposable absorbent articles often have elastic composites formed orincorporated therein which permit stretching and provide retractiveforces to certain portions of the garment to provide a snug butcomfortable fit for the wearer. Elastic composites also allow thegarment to fit a greater range of wearer sizes. To form the elasticcomposite, one or more elastic members, such as strands of elasticmaterial, are typically secured to a substrate, such as a layer of thegarment material, while in a stretched condition to thereafter apply aretractive force to the substrate for gathering the substrate. Theelastic composite may also be formed by securing one or more elasticmembers to a substrate separate from the garment, such as in the form ofa strip, or ribbon. The elastic composite is then secured to the garmentto incorporate the elastic composite therein.

[0004] Children's toilet training pants are one example of a garmentwhich may incorporate elastic composites. Training pants, which serve asa disposable training aid as a child transitions from diapers tounderpants, are three-dimensional articles similar to underpants inappearance but constructed with a liquid permeable inner layer and anabsorbent body to provide the absorbent function of a disposableabsorbent article. Elastic members in the form of elastic strands aresecured within the toilet training pants at the leg openings andsometimes in other areas of the training pants such as the waist openingand, if present, along containment flaps of the pants. The strands areadhered to a layer, or more typically between two layers, of thetraining pants, such as along the sides of the training pants adjacentthe leg openings. The strands are secured within pants while in astretched condition (e.g., in tension) so that the retractive force ofthe strands gathers the pants at the leg openings to provide a snug fitaround the wearer's legs.

[0005] However, despite the benefits of forming or incorporating elasticcomposites into garments, there continues to be a need for improvementsin the formation of such elastic composites. For example, therecontinues to be a need for increasing the comfort of such garmentsagainst the wearer's skin and for making a more efficient use of elasticmembers in disposable absorbent articles to thereby decrease the cost ofmanufacturing such articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In general, a disposable absorbent article of the presentinvention comprises a liner adapted for contiguous relation with thewearer's skin, an outer cover, and an absorbent body between the linerand the outer cover for absorbing liquid body waste. At least oneelastic member is secured within the article along a generally crookedsecurement path. The position of the at least one elastic member variestransversely within the securement path to at least partially define awidth of the securement path.

[0007] In another embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a lineradapted for contiguous relation with the wearer's skin, an outer cover,and an absorbent body between the liner and the outer cover forabsorbing liquid body waste. At least one elastic member is securedwithin the article along a securement path. The position of the at leastone elastic member varies transversely within the securement path in agenerally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within thesecurement path. The periodic wave pattern is shaped such that saidarticle is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path thantransverse to the securement path.

[0008] In general, a method of the present invention for forming anelastic composite comprises moving a substrate in a flow directionthereof, guiding an elongate elastic member onto the substrate andsecuring the elastic member to the substrate. The guiding step comprisesvarying the lateral position of the elastic member relative to the flowdirection of the substrate to vary the position of the elastic membertransversely within the securement path in a generally periodic wavepattern. The periodic wave pattern is shaped such that the formedelastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of the securementpath than transverse to the securement path.

[0009] In another embodiment, the method comprises moving a substrate ina flow direction thereof and guiding an elongate elastic member onto thesubstrate along a securement path. At least a portion of the securementpath is oblique relative to the flow direction of the substrate. Theguiding step comprises varying the lateral position of the elasticmember relative to the flow direction of the substrate to vary theposition of the elastic member transversely within the securement path.The elastic member is then secured to the substrate.

[0010] Other aspects and features of this invention will be in partapparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a side perspective of a children's toilet trainingpants;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the training pants of FIG. 1 with thepants shown unfastened and laid flat and portions of the pants brokenaway to reveal an elastic composite of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of the training pants ofFIG. 2;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a separated cross-section of the training pants of FIG.1 taken laterally through a crotch region of the pants;

[0015]FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are schematics of various patterns that may bedefined by elastic members of the elastic composite of the presentinvention;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of training pants similar to FIG. 2illustrating a pattern that may be defined by leg elastic members of thetraining pants;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic top plan view of apparatus of the presentinvention for guiding one or more elastic members onto a substrate toform an elastic composite of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a front view thereof;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a side view thereof;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 with guidesof the apparatus moved transversely outward relative to each other;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a front view thereof;

[0022]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 with a guideassembly of the apparatus moved transverse to a drive assembly of theapparatus;

[0023]FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a system of the presentinvention for applying a plurality of elastic members to children'stoilet training pants; and

[0024]FIG. 13 is a schematic top plan view thereof.

[0025] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DEFINITIONS

[0026] Within the context of this specification, each term or phrasebelow will include the following meaning or meanings:

[0027] (a) “Bonded” refers to the joining, adhering, connecting,attaching, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be consideredto be bonded together when they are bonded directly to one another orindirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded tointermediate elements.

[0028] (b) “Film” refers to a thermoplastic film made using a filmextrusion and/or foaming process, such as a cast film or blown filmextrusion process. The term includes apertured films, slit films, andother porous films which constitute liquid transfer films, as well asfilms which do not transfer liquid.

[0029] (c) “Hydrophilic” describes fibers or the surfaces of fiberswhich are wetted by aqueous liquids in contact with the fibers. Thedegree of wetting of the materials can, in turn, be described in termsof the contact angles and the surface tensions of the liquids andmaterials involved. Equipment and techniques suitable for measuring thewettability of particular fiber materials or blends of fiber materialscan be provided by a Cahn SFA-222 Surface Force Analyzer System, or asubstantially equivalent system. When measured with this system, fibershaving contact angles less than 90 degrees are designated “wettable” orhydrophilic, and fibers having contact angles greater than 90 degreesare designated “nonwettable” or hydrophobic.

[0030] (d) “Layer” when used in the singular can have the dual meaningof a single element or a plurality of elements.

[0031] (e) “Liquid impermeable” when used in describing a layer ormulti-layer laminate means that liquid body waste, such as urine, willnot pass through the layer or laminate, under ordinary use conditions,in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer orlaminate at the point of liquid contact.

[0032] (f) “Liquid permeable” refers to any material that is not liquidimpermeable.

[0033] (g) “Meltblown” refers to fibers formed by extruding a moltenthermoplastic material through a plurality of fine, usually circular,die capillaries as molten threads or filaments into converging highvelocity heated gas (e.g., air) streams which attenuate the filaments ofmolten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameters. Thereafter, themeltblown fibers are carried by the high velocity gas stream and aredeposited on a collecting surface to form a web of randomly dispersedmeltblown fibers. Such a process is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 3,849,241 to Butin et al. Meltblown fibers are microfibers which maybe continuous or discontinuous, are generally smaller than about 0.6denier, and are generally self bonding when deposited onto a collectingsurface. Meltblown fibers used in the present invention are preferablysubstantially continuous in length.

[0034] (h) “Non-woven” and “non-woven web” refer to materials and websof material which are formed without the aid of a textile weaving orknitting process.

[0035] (i) “Pliable” refers to materials which are compliant and whichwill readily conform to the general shape and contours of the wearer'sbody.

[0036] (j) “Spunbond” refers to small diameter fibers which are formedby extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a pluralityof fine capillaries of a spinnerette having a circular or otherconfiguration, with the diameter of the extruded filaments then beingrapidly reduced by a conventional process such as that described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,340,563 to Appel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,618 to Dorschneret al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al., U.S. Pat. Nos.3,338,992 and 3,341,394 to Kinney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,763 to Hartmann,U.S. Pat. No. 3,502,538 to Peterson, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,542,615 to Doboet al., each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference. Spunbond fibers are generally continuous and often haveaverage deniers larger than about 0.3, more particularly, between about0.6 and about 10.

[0037] (k) “Superabsorbent” refers to a water-swellable, water-insolubleorganic or inorganic material capable, under the most favorableconditions, of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight and, moredesirably, at least about 30 times its weight in an aqueous solutioncontaining 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. The superabsorbentmaterials can be natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers andmaterials. In addition, the superabsorbent materials can be inorganicmaterials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds such ascross-linked polymers.

[0038] (l) “Thermoplastic” describes a material which softens whenexposed to heat and which substantially returns to a non-softenedcondition when cooled to room temperature.

[0039] (m) “Three dimensional” refers to a garment similar to underwear,shorts or pants in that it has continuous leg and waist openings thatare bounded by material of which the garment is made. The garment may ormay not have manually tearable seams.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, anelastic composite constructed in accordance with the present inventionis shown and described herein with reference to a disposable absorbentarticle, and more particularly to a pair of children's toilet trainingpants, which is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 21.As used herein, a disposable absorbent article refers to an articlewhich may be placed against or in proximity to the body (i.e.,contiguous to the body) of the wearer to absorb and contain variousliquid waste discharged from the body. Such articles are intended to bediscarded after a limited period of use instead of being laundered orotherwise restored for reuse.

[0041] By way of illustration only, various materials and methods forconstructing training pants 21 are disclosed in PCT Patent ApplicationWO 00/37009 published Jun. 29, 2000 by A. Fletcher et al; U.S. Pat. No.4,940,464 issued Jul. 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.5,766,389 issued Jun. 16, 1998 to Brandon et al., which are incorporatedherein by reference.

[0042] The training pants 21 of the illustrated embodiment have alongitudinal axis X and a lateral axis Y as indicated in FIG. 2 andgenerally comprise a central absorbent assembly 23 extendinglongitudinally from an anterior region 25 of the training pants througha crotch region 27 to a posterior region 29 of the training pants. Thecentral absorbent assembly 23 is generally rectangular, and moreparticularly it is hourglass shaped, and has laterally opposite sideedges 31 and longitudinally opposite front and rear waist edges or ends,respectively designated 33 and 35. As best seen in FIG. 2, the sideedges 31 of the training pants 21 extend longitudinally from theanterior region through the crotch region to the posterior region forforming transversely spaced leg openings 47 (FIG. 1) of the trainingpants 21. Front and rear side panels 37, 39, respectively, are securedto the central absorbent assembly 23 as will be described later hereinand extend laterally outward therefrom respectively at the anterior andposterior regions 25, 29 of the training pants 21.

[0043] To form the three-dimensional training pants 21, correspondingfront and rear side panels 37, 39 (e.g., the front left side panel andthe rear left side panel) are refastenably secured together, usingfastening assemblies 41, along generally vertical seams 43.Alternatively, the front and rear side panels 37, 39 may be permanentlysecured together, such as by ultrasonic bonding, or they may be formedintegrally with each other and/or with the central absorbent assembly23. Securing the side panels 37, 39 together provides a central waistopening 45 and the transversely spaced leg openings 47 of the trainingpants 21. The training pants 21 are worn by inserting the wearer's feetthrough the waist opening 45 and the respective leg openings 47;grasping the training pants near the waist opening; and then pulling thepants up along the wearer's legs until the crotch region 27 of thetraining pants fits snugly against the crotch of the wearer.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 3, the central absorbent assembly 23 ofthe training pants 21 comprises an outer cover, generally indicated at49, a bodyside liner 51 and an absorbent body 53 disposed between theouter cover and the liner. The outer cover 49 can be elastic,stretchable or non-stretchable and is desirably a multi-layered laminatestructure of which at least one of the layers is liquid impermeable. Forexample, the outer cover 49 of the illustrated embodiment is oftwo-layer construction, including an outer layer 55 constructed of aliquid permeable material and an inner layer 57 constructed of a liquidimpermeable material joined together by a laminate adhesive 59. It isunderstood that the outer cover 49 may instead be constructed of asingle layer of impermeable material without departing from the scope ofthis invention.

[0045] The liquid permeable outer layer 55 of the outer cover 49 can beany suitable material and is desirably one which provides a generallycloth-like texture. One example of such a material is a 20 gsm (gramsper square meter) spunbond polypropylene non-woven web. The outer layer55 may also be constructed of the same materials from which the bodysideliner 51 is constructed as described later herein. Also, while it is nota necessity for the outer layer 55 of the outer cover 49 to be liquidpermeable, it is desired that it provide a relatively cloth-like textureto the wearer.

[0046] The liquid impermeable inner layer 57 of the outer cover 49 canbe either vapor permeable (i.e., “breathable”) or vapor impermeable. Theinner layer 57 is desirably manufactured from a thin plastic film,although other flexible liquid impermeable materials may also be used.The liquid impermeable inner layer 57 (or the liquid impermeable outercover 49 where the outer cover is of a single-layer construction)inhibits liquid body waste from leaking out of the pants and wettingarticles, such as bed sheets and clothing, as well as the wearer andcare giver.

[0047] Leg elastic members 61 are secured between the outer and innerlayers 55, 57 of the outer cover 49, such as by being bonded to one orboth layers by the laminate adhesive 59. Thus it will be seen that theouter and inner layers 55, 57 of the outer cover 49 each broadly definea substrate to which the elastic members 61 may be secured to broadlyform an elastic composite of the present invention. It understood thatthe leg elastic members 61 may be secured between the outer and innerlayers 55, 57 of the outer cover 49 by adhesive (not shown) other thanthe laminate adhesive. It is also understood that the leg elasticmembers 61 may instead be secured between the outer cover 49 and thebodyside liner 51. In such a design, the leg elastic members 61 can bebonded to the outer cover 49, to the bodyside liner 51, or to both.

[0048] The elastic members 61 are desirably strands or threads ofelastic material. However, as is well known to those skilled in the art,suitable elongate elastic members 61 also include sheets, ribbons ofnatural rubber, synthetic rubber, or thermoplastic elastomeric polymers.For example, one suitable elastic material from which the elasticmembers 61 may be constructed is a dry-spun coalesced multifilamentelastomeric thread sold under the trade name LYCRA and available fromE.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del., U.S.A. The legelastic members 61 are desirably secured between the outer and innerlayers 55, 57 of the outer cover 49 while in a stretched (e.g.,elastically contractible) condition such that retractive forces of theelastic members gather the training pants at the leg openings 47 toprovide a snug fit around the wearer's legs. The elastic members 61 mayalso be colored to provide an aesthetic appearance to the pants 21.

[0049] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 2A, the elastic members 61 aresecured within the training pants 21 along respective securement paths,generally indicated at 63, extending longitudinally adjacent thelaterally opposite side edges 31 of the training pants 21. The positionof each elastic member 61 varies transversely within the respectivesecurement path 63. As used herein, the term securement path 63 refersto the path along which one or more elastic members 61 are adhered to asubstrate. As seen best in FIG. 2A, the securement path 63 has a width Wdefined by edge boundaries A, B of the elastic members 61. For example,one edge boundary A passes generally through the maxima of one outermostelastic member and the other edge boundary B passes generally throughthe minima of the opposite outermost elastic member. A centerline C ofthe securement path 63 extends midway between the edge boundaries A, Bof the securement path. Where the positions of the elastic members 61 donot vary transversely relative to the securement path, such as inconventional training pants, the edge boundaries A, B are substantiallyco-linear with the outermost elastic members.

[0050] Where only one elastic member 61 is applied to a substrate (e.g.,as shown in FIG. 4C), one edge boundary A passes generally through themaxima defined by the transverse position of the elastic member relativeto the securement path 63 and the other edge boundary B passes generallythrough the minima defined by the transverse position of the elasticmember relative to the securement path. Where the position of theelastic member does not vary transversely relative to the securementpath, the width W defined by a single elastic member would besubstantially zero and the centerline C and edge boundaries A, B of thesecurement path would all be co-linear.

[0051] The securement path 63 of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2 isbroadly referred to herein as being crooked in that it varies laterallyas it extends longitudinally adjacent the side edges 31 of the trainingpants 21 generally oblique, or non-parallel to the longitudinal axis Xof the training pants. For example, the securement path 63 desirablyfollows the contour of the side edges 31 of the training pants 21, suchas in a curvilinear or arcuate path, although it is understood that thesecurement path 63 may not follow the contour of the side edges, and mayeven extend in parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the pants21. As used herein, the securement path 63 is also considered to becrooked if the centerline C and/or either one of the edge boundaries A,B of a portion of the securement path 63 is arcuate, bent or otherwiseoblique relative to a particular axis, such as the longitudinal axis ofthe pants 21. Each leg elastic member 61 shown in FIG. 2 defines agenerally periodic pattern, and more particularly a periodic wavepattern such as a sinusoidal pattern, along at least a portion of thesecurement path 63 of the elastic members. Desirably, at least twoperiods of the pattern are formed along the length of the securementpath, e.g., within the training pants 21.

[0052]FIGS. 2, 4A, 4B, 4C and 5 are illustrative of a few patterns whichcan be defined by the elastic members 61 as they extend within thesecurement path 63. For example, FIG. 4A illustrates a pair of elasticmembers 61 defining two periodic wave patterns, each generally having anamplitude A and a period T, within the width W of the securement path63. Preferably, at least one period T of the periodic wave pattern ofeach elastic member 61 is formed as the elastic member extends along thelength of the securement path 63. The amplitude A and period T of theperiodic wave pattern formed by each elastic member 61 are desirablyformed such that the substrate to which the elastic member is bonded,e.g., the outer and inner layers 55, 57 of the outer cover 49, is morestretchable in the direction of the securement path 63 (e.g, generallytangential to the securement path) than in a generally transversedirection relative to the securement path. For example, a slope Sdefined by the change in the transverse position of each elastic member61 within the securement path 63 as it extends in the direction of thesecurement path is desirably between about −1 and about 1. However, itis contemplated that the slope S may be greater than 1, or less than −1,and/or that the substrate to which the elastic member is secured is asstretchable, or more stretchable, in the transverse direction relativeto the securement path 63 without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

[0053] The elastic members 61 shown in FIG. 4A generally have a constantand equal amplitude A and period T, with the periodic wave pattern ofone elastic member being the negative of the other (e.g., 180E out ofphase therewith) so that the transverse spacing between the elasticmembers varies within the securement path 63. The elastic members 61 arealso sufficiently spaced so that they do not cross each other within thesecurement path 63. As in FIG. 4A, the periodic wave patterns of theelastic members 61 shown in FIG. 2 also have a substantially constantand equal amplitude and period throughout the securement path 63, andthe periodic wave pattern defined by one elastic member is the negativeof the periodic wave pattern defined by the other elastic member. Theelastic members 61 of FIG. 2 are sufficiently close so that the elasticmembers periodically cross each other along the securement path 63.

[0054]FIG. 4B illustrates two pairs of elastic members 61 extendingalong the securement path 63. In this embodiment, each pair of elasticmembers 61 defines two periodic wave patterns having a substantiallyconstant and equal amplitude and period, with the elastic membersarranged in parallel, spaced relationship with each other along thesecurement path 63. The periodic wave patterns of one pair of elasticmembers 61 are the negative of the periodic wave patterns of the otherpair of elastic members. FIG. 4C illustrates a single elastic member 61defining the securement path 63.

[0055]FIG. 5 illustrates training pants 21 having a pair of elasticmembers 61 similar to those shown in FIG. 2 extending along each of thesecurement paths 63 formed adjacent the leg openings 47 of the trainingpants 21. Along a segment of the securement path 63, the elastic members61 extend along arcs having different radii such that the elasticmembers are spaced transversely from each other in non-parallelrelationship, thereby varying the width W of the securement path.

[0056] It is contemplated that the pattern of one elastic member 61 mayhave a different amplitude and/or period than the pattern of the otherelastic member, and the elastic members may be more closely or distantlyspaced relative to each other than as shown in the illustratedembodiments, without departing from the scope of this invention. It isalso understood that one elastic member 61 may not extend the fulllength of the securement path 63, or that only a single elastic membermay extend along the securement path.

[0057] By securing the leg elastic members 61 between the outer andinner layers 55, 57 of the outer cover 49 in a generally periodic wavepattern within the securement path 63, the elastic members affect asubstantially increased surface area of the outer cover in comparison toelastic members secured generally parallel to or otherwise co-linearwith the securement path. As a result, the retractive forces of theelastic members 61 act against a greater surface area of the wearer'sskin (i.e., a surface area roughly equal to the width of the securementpath times its length), thereby increasing comfort to the wearer andreducing the risk that the elastic members will leave indentations ormarks on the wearer. Also, because the elastic members 61 are spreadover a wider surface area of the outer cover 49, a lesser number ofelastic members may be needed to provide the desired fit of the pants 21against the wearer's skin. For example, a pair of elastic members 61formed in periodic wave patterns along the securement path 63 mayreplace three elastic members extending generally parallel to thesecurement path.

[0058] Referring back to FIG. 3, the absorbent body 53 is somewhatrectangular and is desirably constructed to be generally compressible,pliable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin and capable of absorbingand retaining liquid body waste, such as urine. The absorbent body 53overlays the inner layer 57 of the outer cover 49, extending laterallybetween the leg elastic members 61, and is secured to the inner layer,such as by being bonded thereto with adhesive 65.

[0059] The bodyside liner 51 overlays the absorbent body 53 to isolatethe wearer's skin from liquid body waste retained by the absorbent bodyand is secured to at least a portion of the absorbent body, such as bybeing bonded thereto with adhesive 87. The liner 51 further extendsbeyond the absorbent body 53 to overlay a portion of the inner layer 57of the outer cover 49, particularly in the crotch region 27 of the pants21, and is secured thereto, such as by being bonded thereto by adhesive65, to substantially enclose the absorbent body between the outer coverand the liner about the periphery of the absorbent body. Although thebodyside liner 51 shown in FIG. 3 is slightly narrower than the outercover 49, it is understood that the liner and outer cover may be of thesame dimensions, or the liner may be sized larger than the outer cover,without departing from the scope of this invention. It is alsocontemplated that the liner 51 may not extend beyond the absorbent body53 and may not be secured to the outer cover 49 and/or to the absorbentbody 53. The bodyside liner 51 is desirably compliant, soft feeling, andnon-irritating to the wearer's skin and can be less hydrophilic than theabsorbent body 53 to provide a relatively dry surface to the wearer andpermit liquid body waste to readily penetrate through its thickness.

[0060] The bodyside liner 51 can be manufactured from a wide selectionof web materials, such as synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester orpolypropylene fibers), natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), acombination of natural and synthetic fibers, porous foams, reticulatedfoams, apertured plastic films, or the like. Various woven and non-wovenfabrics can be used for the bodyside liner 51. For example, the liner 51can be composed of a meltblown or spunbonded web of polyolefin fibers.Alternatively, the liner 51 can be a bonded-carded web composed ofnatural and/or synthetic fibers. The bodyside liner 51 can also becomposed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobicmaterial can, optionally, be treated with a surfactant or otherwiseprocessed to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.For example, the material can be surface treated with about 0.45 weightpercent of a surfactant mixture including AHCOVEL N-62 available fromUniqema, Inc., a division of ICI of New Castle, Del., U.S.A, andGLUCOPON 220UP available from Cognis Corporation of Ambler, Pa., U.S.A,in an active ratio of 3:1. The surfactant can be applied by anyconventional means, such as spraying, printing, brush coating or thelike. The surfactant can be applied to the entire liner 51 or it can beselectively applied to particular sections of the liner.

[0061] A particularly suitable bodyside liner 51 is constructed of anon-woven bicomponent web having a basis weight of about 27 gsm. Thenon-woven bicomponent can be a spunbonded bicomponent web, or abonded-carded bicomponent web. Suitable bicomponent staple fibersinclude a polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber available fromCHISSO Corporation, Osaka, Japan. In this particular bicomponent fiber,the polypropylene forms the core and the polyethylene forms the sheathof the fiber. Fibers having other orientations, such as multi-lobe,side-by-side, end-to-end may be used without departing from the scope ofthe invention. Also, although the outer cover 49 and bodyside liner 51of the central absorbent assembly 23 can include elastomeric materials,it is contemplated that the central absorbent assembly may instead begenerally inelastic, wherein the outer cover, the bodyside liner and theabsorbent body 53 are composed of materials which are generallynon-elastomeric.

[0062] The front and rear side panels 37, 39 of the training pants 21may be bonded to the central absorbent assembly 23 at the respectiveanterior and posterior regions 25, 29 of the pants and extend outwardbeyond the laterally opposite edges 31 of the assembly. For example, thefront side panels 37 of the illustrated embodiment are secured to theinner layer 57 of the outer cover 49, such as by being bonded thereto byadhesive (not shown), by thermal bonding or by ultrasonic bonding. Theseside panels 37 may also be secured to the outer layer 55 of the outercover 49, such as by being bonded thereto by adhesive (not shown), bythermal bonding or by ultrasonic bonding. The rear side panels 39 aresecured to the outer and inner layers 55, 57 of the outer cover 49, atthe posterior region 29 of the training pants 21, in substantially thesame manner as the front side panels 37. Alternatively, the side panels37, 39 may be formed integrally with the central absorbent assembly 23,such as by being formed integrally with the outer cover 49, the bodysideliner 51 or other layers of the pants 21.

[0063] Containment flaps, generally indicated at 91, are secured to thebodyside liner 51 in generally parallel, spaced relation with each otherlaterally inward of the leg openings 47 to provide a barrier against theflow of urine to the leg openings. The containment flaps 91 extendlongitudinally from the anterior region 25 of the training pants 21,through the crotch region 27 to the posterior region 29 of the pants.Each containment flap 91 comprises a non-woven layer 93 and a film layer95 secured to the non-woven layer, such as by being bonded thereto byadhesive 97. Flap elastic members 99 are secured by suitable adhesive101 between the non-woven layer 93 and the film layer 95 generally at adistal end 103 of the flap 91, with the non-woven layer 93 being foldedover the flap elastic members 99 and the film layer 95 at the distal end103. The flap 91 is secured to the bodyside liner 51 by a seam ofadhesive 107 to define a proximal end 109 of the flap.

[0064] The flap elastic members 99 of the illustrated embodimentcomprise three individual strands of elastomeric material extendinglongitudinally along the distal end 103 of the flap 91 in generallyparallel, spaced relation with each other. One suitable elastic strandis a LYCRA T151 940 decitex elastic which can be obtained from E. I. duPont de Nemours Co. of Wilmington, Del. The elastic strands are securedbetween the non-woven layer 93 and the film layer 95 while in anelastically contractible condition such that contraction of the strandsgathers and shortens the distal end 103 of the containment flap 91. As aresult, the elastic strands bias the distal end 103 of each flap 91toward a position spaced from the proximal end 109 of the flap so thatthe flap extends away from the liner 51 in a generally uprightorientation of the flap, especially in the crotch region 27 of thetraining pants 21, when the pants are fitted on the wearer. It isunderstood, however, that the containment flaps 91 may be omitted fromthe training pants 21 without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0065] While the elastic composite constructed in accordance with thepresent invention is shown and described above with particular referenceto children's toilet training pants 21, and more specifically to the legopenings 47 of children's toilet training pants, it is understood thatthe elastic composite as referred to herein comprises any composite inwhich an elongate elastic member is applied to a flexible substrate, orbetween two such substrates, to provide retractive or stretching forcesto the substrate in accordance with the present invention.

[0066] The substrate may be a film, woven fabric, knit fabric ornon-woven fabric. Such fabrics may be of natural or synthetic fiberssuch as cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, orthe like. The film may be of polyethylene, polyester, polyflourocarbons,polyimide, polypropylene, or the like. For example, the flap elasticmembers 99 of the training pants 21 of FIGS. 1-3 may be secured betweenthe non-woven layer 93 and the film layer 95 of the flaps 91 inaccordance with the elastic member patterns shown and described herein.Elastic members may also be secured to the training pants 21 at thefront and rear waist edges 33, 35 thereof in accordance with the elasticmember patterns shown and described herein.

[0067] The substrate may also be a generally continuous web, such as forforming multiple individual garments such as training pants whereby theweb is cut into individual garments after the elastic members aresecured to the web. In such an embodiment, the securement path 63defines a pattern that is repeated once for each individual garment tobe cut from the web.

[0068] It is contemplated that the elastic composite of the presentinvention may be formed or incorporated in various other garments. Forexample, other disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers and otherinfant and child care products, adult incontinence garments and otheradult care products, sanitary napkins and other feminine care productsand the like, as well as surgical bandages and sponges, may have one ormore elastic members secured to one or more layers thereof in accordancewith the present invention. Conventional garments such as pants, socks,shirts, hats, coats and the like may also have one or more elasticmembers secure to one or more layers thereof in accordance with thepresent invention. Alternatively, an elastic composite may be formedseparately from a garment, such as in the form of an elastic strip orribbon, and subsequently secured to a garment to provide an elasticcomponent to the garment without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

[0069]FIGS. 6-11 illustrate an apparatus, generally indicated at 201, ofthe present invention for guiding one or more elastic members 61 (FIGS.1-5) onto a substrate moving in a flow direction, indicated by thedirection arrow F in the various figures, for securement to thesubstrate to form an elastic composite such as the training pants 21 ofFIGS. 1-5. The apparatus 201 comprises a guide assembly, generallyindicated at 203, which receives and guides one or more elastic members61 onto the substrate, and a drive assembly, generally indicated at 205,which controls the position and operation of the guide assembly relativeto the flow direction of the substrate. The drive assembly 205 comprisesa base 207 secured against lateral movement relative to the flowdirection of the substrate, and is desirably further secured againstmovement generally in the flow direction of the substrate. The base 207of the illustrated embodiment is a generally rectangular plateconstructed of plastic. However, the base 207 may have otherconfigurations, such as a table, a box-shaped housing or other suitableconfiguration, and may be constructed of a material other than plastic,such as metal or wood.

[0070] Two gears 209 a, 209 b are rotatably mounted on the base 207 byrespective fasteners 213 for rotation relative to the base aboutrespective rotation axes of the gear fasteners. The gears 209 a, 209 bare interengaged so that rotation of one gear, e.g., clockwise, drivesthe other gear to rotate in a counter direction, e.g.,counter-clockwise. As shown in FIG. 6, one gear 209 a is desirablyoperatively connected, such as via a drive gear (not shown) or drivepulley (not shown) to a drive mechanism 210 (e.g., a motor) capable ofdriving rotation of the gear. The drive mechanism 210 is desirablycontrollable, such as by a suitable control system 212 to facilitatepowered, controlled rotation (e.g., clockwise and/or counter-clockwiserotation) of the gears 209 a, 209 b relative to the base 207 inaccordance with a pre-determined pattern to be formed by the elasticmember(s) 61 guided onto the substrate. It is contemplated that thegears 209 a, 209 b may be out of engagement with each other, so thatthey may be rotated independently of each other either by a common drivemechanism or by separate drive mechanisms. It also contemplated that thedrive assembly 205 may have only one gear or that the gears 209 a, 209 bmay be omitted altogether without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

[0071] Pulleys 211 are seated on the gears 209 a, 209 b in coaxialrelation therewith and secured by the respective gear fasteners 213 inengagement with the gears for conjoint rotation therewith about therespective rotation axes of the fasteners. Linkage comprising twolinkage bars 215 is pivotally connected at one end 217 to the base 207in parallel, spaced relation with each other for pivoting an oppositeend 219 of the linkage bars 215 relative to the base to move theopposite end of the linkage bars generally laterally relative to theflow direction F of the substrate. The guide assembly 203 comprises aguide plate 225 pivotally connected to the opposite end 219 of thelinkage bars 215 to permit lateral movement (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11)of the guide plate 225 relative to the base 207 and the flow direction Fof the substrate while the angular orientation of the guide platerelative to the flow direction of the substrate remains generallyconstant. The guide plate 225 may be manually moved relative to the base207 or, more desirably, it may be operatively connected to a drivemechanism (not shown) and corresponding control system (not shown) topermit powered, controlled movement of the guide plate relative to thebase and the flow direction F of the substrate. It is contemplated thatthe linkage may instead comprise a single linkage bar pivotallyconnected at one end to the drive assembly and at its opposite end tothe guide assembly 203 without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

[0072] The guide plate 225 of the illustrated embodiment is generallyrectangular and is constructed of plastic. However, the guide plate 225may have other configurations and it may be constructed of a materialother than plastic, such as wood or metal, without departing from thescope of this invention. It is contemplated that the guide plate 225 mayhave an angular orientation relative to the flow direction F of thesubstrate other than the orientation shown in FIGS. 6-11, such as bybeing angled relative thereto. It is also contemplated that the guideplate 225 may not be connected to the base 207, or more generally to thedrive assembly 203 so that the guide assembly may be moved relative tothe flow direction of the substrate independent of the drive assembly,and that the guide assembly may instead be adapted for sliding movementtransverse to the flow direction F of the substrate, without departingfrom the scope of this invention.

[0073] With particular reference to FIG. 6, the guide assembly 205further comprises a pair of pulleys 227 corresponding to the driveassembly pulleys 211 mounted on the base 207. The pulleys 227 arerotatably mounted on the guide plate 225 by fasteners 229 for rotationrelative to guide plate about the corresponding rotation axes of thefasteners. A spacer 231 (FIGS. 7 and 8) is secured by each fastener 229between each guide assembly pulley 227 and the guide plate 225 toposition the guide assembly pulleys above the guide plate at a levelcorresponding to the level of the drive assembly pulleys 211. The spacer231 is desirably a bushing or a set of bearings, although otherstructure may be used as the spacer and remain within the scope of thisinvention. Continuous belts 235, having respective inner and outerreaches, respectively indicated at 237 and 239, are supported in tensionby the corresponding guide assembly pulleys 227 and drive assemblypulleys 211 whereby rotation of the drive assembly pulleys rotates theguide assembly pulleys relative to the guide plate 225 in the samedirection of rotation as the drive assembly pulleys. Desirably, thepulleys 211, 227 and belts 235 include interengaging teeth to inhibitslippage of the belts on the pulleys.

[0074] Where the drive assembly gears 209 a, 209 b are interengaged asin FIG. 1 for counter-rotation relative to each other, the guideassembly pulleys 227 rotate in counter directions upon rotation of thedrive assembly gears. The lateral spacing between the guide assemblypulleys 227 is substantially the same as the lateral spacing between thedrive assembly pulleys 211, and all of the pulleys are of the same size,so that the drive ratio of each drive assembly pulley to itscorresponding guide assembly pulley is generally one to one. However, itis contemplated that the guide assembly pulleys 227 may instead belarger or smaller than the drive assembly pulleys 211 to obtaindifferent drive ratios. It is also contemplated that the spacing betweenthe guide assembly pulleys 227 may be greater or lesser than the spacingbetween the drive assembly pulleys without departing from the scope ofthis invention.

[0075] Each guide assembly pulley 227 has a positioning arm 241 mountedthereon generally at an inner end 243 of the positioning arm. Thepositioning arm 241 is held by the fastener 229 in engagement with thepulley 227 so that rotation of the pulley conjointly pivots thepositioning arm about the rotation axis of the fastener. The positioningarm 241 extends radially out from the inner end 243 to an outer end 245thereof which moves generally laterally relative to the flow direction Fof the substrate as the positioning arm pivots about the rotation axisof the fastener 229. Inner (or first) and outer (or second) pulleys,indicated respectively at 247 and 249, are mounted on each positioningarm 241, with the inner pulley being located near the inner end of thepositioning arm in coaxial relationship with the rotation axis of thefastener 229 and secured against rotation with respect to the arm aboutthe fastener rotation axis. The outer pulley 249 is mounted on thepositioning arm 241 in radially spaced relation with the inner pulley247, such as near the outer end 245 of the positioning arm, for conjointorbital movement with the outer end of the positioning arm relative tothe guide plate 225 and the substrate about the rotation axis of thefastener 229 (and hence about the fixed, inner pulley). The outer pulley249 is rotatable relative to the positioning arm 241 about a rotationaxis of the outer pulley. A continuous belt 251 is supported in tensionby the inner and outer pulleys 247, 249 so that orbital movement of theouter pulley about the fixed, inner pulley causes the outer pulley torotate about its rotation axis relative to the positioning arm 241.

[0076] The outer pulley 249 has a guide 253 mounted thereon forreceiving and guiding one or more elastic members 61 onto the substrateas the substrate is moved in its flow direction F. The guide 253 ismounted on the outer pulley 249 generally radially offset from therotation axis thereof for orbital motion about the rotation axis of theouter pulley upon rotation of the pulley. Each guide 253 is mounted onthe respective outer pulley 249 in a desired angular orientationrelative to the flow direction F of the substrate, e.g., transversethereto in the illustrated embodiment. The guides 253 shown in FIGS.6-11 each comprise a rectangular block constructed of a transparentplastic material and mounted on the outer pulley 249 by a post 255extending up from the pulley. A suitable fastener 257 extends laterallythrough each block to secure each block to the respective post 255 at anangular orientation relative to the flow direction F of the substrate.It is understood that the guide 253 may be constructed other than ofplastic and may have a shape other than rectangular without departingfrom the scope of this invention. It is also contemplated that the guide253 may be secured to the outer pulley 249 other than by a post 255and/or fastener 257, such as by being permanently secured thereto, andremain within the scope of this invention.

[0077] The guides 253 each have a set of slots 259 formed therein. Eachslot is sized for receiving one elastic member and guiding it onto thesubstrate. Instead of slots 259, the guides may have holes (not shown)formed therethrough without departing from the scope of this invention.It is also contemplated that instead of a block, the guides 253 may bein the form of an eyelet or other suitable form for receiving andguiding one or more elastic members 61 onto the substrate. While theguides 253 of the illustrated embodiment each have four slots 259 formedtherein, the guides may have any number of slots, including one slot,depending on the number of elastic members 61 to be guided onto thesubstrate.

[0078] Also, while not shown in the drawings, the guides 253 may bemounted to the outer pulleys 243 at different heights relative to eachother, such as by providing posts 255 of different lengths, or by usingthe fastener 257 to adjust the relative heights of, the guides on theposts. Positioning the guides 253 at different heights above the outerpulleys 249 provides sufficient clearance for using longer guides thatgenerally cross above or below one another as they move transverse tothe flow direction F of the substrate upon pivoting movement of thepositioning arms 241 and corresponding rotation of the outer pulleys. Inthis manner, elastic members 61 guided onto the substrate by the guides253 can cross each other within the securement path 63 of the elasticmembers as shown in FIG. 2.

[0079] It is also contemplated that the positioning arms 241 may bedisposed at different heights relative to each other above the guideplate 225, or one positioning arm may be positioned above the guideplate and the other may be positioned below the guide plate, to providesufficient clearance for the positioning arms to pivot up to 360E aboutthe rotation axes of the fasteners 229. The outer pulleys 249 supportingthe guides 253, and hence the guides themselves, are orbital relative tothe substrate about the rotation axes of the fasteners through agenerally circular path. In this manner, the drive mechanism maycontinuously rotate the drive assembly pulleys 209 a, 209 b through afull rotation to vary the transverse positions of the guides 253relative to the flow direction F of the substrate, instead ofoscillating the rotation of the pulleys back and forth through smallerrotations. The positioning arms 241 may also be of different lengths sothat elastic the patterns formed by the elastic members 61 guided ontothe substrate by the guides 253 have different amplitudes A.

[0080] In operation of the apparatus 201 to guide an elastic member 61onto a substrate moving in a flow direction F of the substrate (e.g., soas to form the periodic pattern of the elastic member on the substrate),the guide plate 225 is initially positioned at a desired transverseposition relative to the base 207, such as in longitudinal relationtherewith so that the linkage bars extend generally in the flowdirection of the substrate as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The positioningarms 241 are also positioned at a desired angular position relative tothe guide plate 225 and the flow direction F of the substrate, such asoutward from the guide plate generally in the flow direction of thesubstrate as is also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. It is understood, however,that the initial positions of the guide plate 225 and positioning arms241 may be other than that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 without departing fromthe scope of this invention. One or more elastic members 61 (FIGS. 2,4A, 4B and 5) are received in the slots 259 of each guide 253 anddirected therefrom onto the substrate for adherence to the substrate.

[0081] To vary the transverse position of the elastic members 61relative to the flow direction F of the substrate while the securementpath 63 remains generally parallel to the flow direction F of thesubstrate, one of the drive assembly gears, e.g., gear 209 a (and hencethe pulley 211 seated thereon) is rotated relative to the base 207, suchas by the drive mechanism, in a desired direction of rotation, such asclockwise. The other gear 209 b and pulley 211 are correspondinglyrotated in a counter-clockwise direction. The guide assembly pulleys 227are accordingly driven, via the continuous belts 251, incounter-rotating directions to pivot the positioning arms 241 about therespective rotation axes of the fasteners 229 in counter directions. Forexample, clockwise rotation of the drive assembly gear 209 a effectspivoting of the positioning arms 241 to move generally out away fromeach other as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0082] Pivoting movement of the positioning arms 241 also effectsorbital movement of each outer pulley 249 about its corresponding fixed,inner pulley 247 to effect lateral movement of the outer pulley and theguide 253 mounted thereon relative to the flow direction F of thesubstrate. As a result of the tension in the continuous belts 251supported by the inner and outer pulleys 247, 249, the outer pulleys arerotated about their respective axes relative to the positioning arms241. In turn, the guides 253 mounted on the outer pulleys 249 orbitabout the respective rotation axes thereof, such as in a directioncounter to the direction about which the positioning arm 241 is pivoted,so that the angular orientation of each guide relative to the flowdirection F of the substrate remains substantially constant as theguides are moved laterally relative to the flow direction of thesubstrate. As shown in FIG. 11, to vary the securement path 63 laterallyrelative to the flow direction F of the substrate, the guide plate 225is moved laterally relative to the base 207, and hence laterallyrelative to the flow direction of the substrate.

[0083]FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a system, generally indicated at 301,of the present invention for applying one or more elongate members, suchas elastic members 61 or inelastic members (not shown) to a substrate toform a composite, and more particularly for applying elastic members todisposable absorbent articles such as diapers or the training pants 21of FIGS. 1-3 to form the elastic leg openings 47 thereof. The system 301generally comprises a conveyance mechanism (not shown), such as a vacuumconveyor, for conveying a first substrate 303 (e.g., the inner layer 57of the outer cover 49 of the training pants 21) from a source (notshown) of substrate material to pass over an idler roller 305 and thenthrough a nip 307 defined by a pair of rollers 309 in a flow directionof the substrate material. A second conveyance mechanism (not shown),such as another vacuum conveyor, conveys a second substrate 311 (e.g.,the outer layer 55 of the outer cover 49 of the training pants 21) topass over another idler roller 313 and through the nip 307 in opposedrelation with the first substrate 303. Adhesive (not shown) is desirablyapplied to the first substrate 303 and/or the second substrate 311, suchas by spraying adhesive thereon, upstream from the nip 307. It iscontemplated that as an alternative, or in addition to applying adhesiveto one or both of the substrates 303, 311, adhesive may be applied tothe elastic members 61 before the elastic members are adhered to thesubstrates or the elastic members may be self-adhering.

[0084] A pair of apparatus 201 of the present invention, e.g., forapplying a pair of elastic members 61 to the pants 21 generally adjacenta respective one of the leg openings 47 of the pants, are positionedupstream of the nip 307 for guiding the elastic members onto thesubstrates 303, 311 before the substrates pass through the nip. Theapparatus 201 are spaced laterally from each other (FIG. 13) andvertically from each other (FIG. 12) to provide sufficient clearance forpivoting movement of the positioning arms 241 of the apparatus. As bestseen in FIG. 12, one apparatus 201 is inverted relative to the otherapparatus. However, the apparatus 201 may both be upright, or they mayboth be inverted, and they may be at the same height or differentheights, without departing from the scope of this invention. Elasticmembers 61, such as elastic strands, are pulled off of one or moreunwinds (not shown) and around idler rollers 315 before being fedthrough the guides 253 (e.g., with one elastic member received in eachguide) of each apparatus 201 for guiding the elastic members onto thesubstrates 303, 311 for adherence therebetween so that the substratesand elastic members together pass through the nip 309.

[0085] The apparatus 201 are each operated as described above to guidethe elastic members 61 onto the substrates 303, 311 along a desiredsecurement path 63, and in a desired pattern within the securement path.For example, the guide plates 225 of each apparatus 201 are movedlaterally relative to the flow direction F of the substrates 303, 311 tovary the securement paths 63 of the elastic members 61 laterallyrelative to the flow direction F of the substrates generally inaccordance with the contour of the side edges 31 of the training pants21. The control system 212 is operated to move the guides 253 of eachapparatus 201 laterally relative to the flow direction F of thesubstrates 303, 311 to alter the transverse position of the elasticmember within the securement path 63.

[0086] For example, to guide the elastic members 61 onto the substrates303, 311 in a generally periodic pattern along the securement path 63,the control system operates the drive mechanism to oscillate one driveassembly gear 209 a of each apparatus 201 through clockwise andcounter-clockwise rotations corresponding to the desired shape andperiod of the pattern. In accordance with operation of the apparatus 201as described previously, the guides 253 of each apparatus are thusoscillated through movements laterally relative to the flow direction Fof the substrates 303, 311, and more particularly transverse to thesecurement path 63, to guide the elastic members 61 onto the substratesin accordance with the desired pattern. As the elastic members 61 areguided onto the substrates 301, 311, the elastic members are adheredbetween the substrates. Subsequently passing the substrates 303, 311 andelastic members 61 through the nip 307 serves to further secure theelastic members between the substrates and can further serve to securethe substrates together. However, the step of passing the substratesthrough the nip may be omitted without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

[0087] The amplitude of the periodic wave pattern defined by eachelastic member 61 is generally a function of the radial spacing of theouter pulley 249 from the inner pulley 247 on the positioning arm 241and the angle through which the positioning arm is pivoted. The periodof the periodic wave pattern is generally a function of the rate atwhich the substrates 303, 311 are fed in the flow direction thereof tothe nip 307 and the rate at which the positioning arm 241 is pivotedrelative to the flow direction of the substrate. The slope S (FIG. 4A)defined by the elastic member 61 as it extends transversely within thewidth W of the securement path 63 thereof is determined by controllingone or more of the rate at which the substrates are fed through the nip307, the transverse positioning of the guide relative to the flowdirection F of the substrates and the rate at which the guide is movedrelative to the flow direction of the substrates.

[0088] When introducing elements of the present invention or thepreferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and“said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

[0089] As various changes could be made in the above constructionswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable absorbent article comprising a lineradapted for contiguous relation with the wearer's skin, an outer cover,an absorbent body between the liner and the outer cover for absorbingliquid body waste, and at least one elastic member secured within thearticle along a generally crooked securement path, the position of saidat least one elastic member varying transversely within the securementpath to at least partially define a width of said securement path.
 2. Adisposable absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidarticle has a longitudinal axis, longitudinally opposite ends andlaterally opposite side edges, said securement path being a firstsecurement path extending longitudinally intermediate said longitudinalends generally adjacent one of said side edges and being generallycrooked relative to the longitudinal axis of the article, said articlefurther comprising at least one other elastic member secured within thearticle along a second securement path extending longitudinallyintermediate said longitudinal ends generally adjacent the opposite oneof said side edges, said second securement path being generally crookedrelative to the longitudinal axis of said article, the position of theat least one other elastic member varying transversely within the secondsecurement path.
 3. A disposable absorbent article as set forth in claim2 wherein at least a portion of each of side edge of the article isoblique relative to the longitudinal axis of the article to define acontour of each side edge, said first and second securement paths havingshapes corresponding to the contours of the respective side edges of thearticle.
 4. A disposable absorbent article as set forth in claim 3wherein said article is a child's toilet training pants comprising ananterior region, a posterior region and a crotch region disposedlongitudinally therebetween, said anterior region, posterior region andcrotch region being integrally formed and configured to have a centralwaist opening generally defined by said longitudinal ends and a pair ofleg openings defined by said laterally opposite side edges.
 5. Adisposable absorbent article as set forth in claim 1 wherein thesecurement path has a length, the position of said at least one elasticmember varying transversely within the securement path in a generallyperiodic wave pattern having at least one period within said securementpath, said periodic wave pattern being shaped such that said article ismore stretchable generally in the direction of the securement path thantransverse to the securement path.
 6. A disposable absorbent article asset forth in claim 1 wherein the securement path has a length, theposition of said at least one elastic member varying transversely withinthe securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern, said periodicwave pattern having at least two periods within the length of thesecurement path.
 7. A disposable absorbent article comprising a lineradapted for contiguous relation with the wearer's skin, an outer cover,an absorbent body between the liner and the outer cover for absorbingliquid body waste, and at least one elastic member secured within thearticle along a securement path, the position of said at least oneelastic member varying transversely within the securement path in agenerally periodic wave pattern having at least one period within saidsecurement path, said periodic wave pattern being shaped such that saidarticle is more stretchable in the direction of the securement path thantransverse to the securement path.
 8. A disposable absorbent article asset forth in claim 7 wherein the securement path has a length, and theperiodic wave pattern of the at least one elastic member has at leasttwo periods within the length of the securement path.
 9. A method offorming an elastic composite comprising the steps of: moving a substratein a flow direction thereof; guiding an elongate elastic member onto thesubstrate and securing the elastic member to the substrate along asecurement path, said guiding step comprising varying the lateralposition of the elastic member relative to the flow direction of thesubstrate to vary the position of the elastic member transversely withinthe securement path in a generally periodic wave pattern wherein theperiodic wave pattern is shaped such that the formed elastic compositeis more stretchable in the direction of the securement path thantransverse to the securement path.
 10. A method as set forth in claim 9wherein said guiding step further comprises controlling at least one ofa speed at which the substrate moves in the flow direction, and thelateral position of the elastic member relative to the flow direction ofthe substrate, such that the periodic wave pattern is shaped such thatthe formed elastic composite is more stretchable in the direction of thesecurement path than transverse to the securement path.
 11. A method asset forth in claim 10 wherein at least one of the speed at which thesubstrate moves in the flow direction, and the lateral positioning ofthe elastic member relative to the flow direction of the substrate, iscontrolled such that the elastic member has a slope of between about −1and about 1 relative to the flow direction of the securement path.
 12. Amethod as set forth in claim 9 further comprising passing the substratethrough a roller nip after the elastic member is guided onto thesubstrate to further adhere the elastic member to the substrate.
 13. Amethod of forming an elastic composite, the method comprising the stepsof: moving a substrate in a flow direction thereof; guiding an elongateelastic member onto the substrate along a securement path, at least aportion of the securement path being oblique relative to the flowdirection of the substrate, said guiding step comprising varying thelateral position of the elastic member relative to the flow direction ofthe substrate to vary the position of the elastic member transverselywithin the securement path; and securing the elastic member to thesubstrate.
 14. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said varyingstep comprises varying the lateral position of the elastic memberrelative to the flow direction of the substrate in a generally periodicwave pattern.